| Index | Phillipsburg | New Jersey | National |
| Cost of living | 95 | 125 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 108 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 112 | 100 |
| Housing | 87 | 157 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 114 | 100 |
| Utilities | 98 | 111 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 98 | 113 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 107 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 98 | 120 | 100 |

Understanding the cost of living in Phillipsburg can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Phillipsburg cost of living index is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Phillipsburg closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Phillipsburg can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Is Phillipsburg affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Phillipsburg, the median home price is 18.4% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 1.2% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Phillipsburg boasting a median household income of $81,208, 0.2% lower than the national average.
Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Phillipsburg, the groceries index is 0.2% lower than the national average.
Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Phillipsburg, the transportation index is 0.1% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Phillipsburg, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.625%, and the income tax rates commence at 1.4%.
The cost of living data for Phillipsburg shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $95,356 | $7,946 | $2,225 | $2,861 |
| Renters | $50,529 | $4,211 | $1,179 | $1,516 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| New Jersey | 6.625% | 12.625% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| New Jersey | 1.4% | 10.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Buttzville, NJ | 59 | 99 | 1.2% |
| Port Murray, NJ | 223 | 99 | 1.2% |
| DeSales University, PA | 954 | 99 | 1.2% |
| Port Colden, NJ | 86 | 99 | 1.2% |
| Broadway, NJ | 187 | 99 | 1.2% |
| Phillipsburg, NJ | 14,613 | 95 | 4.6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Setauket-East Setauket, NY | 14,614 | 144 | 44.4% |
| Viera West, FL | 14,609 | 133 | 33.1% |
| Swansea, IL | 14,604 | 99 | 1.2% |
| Willowick, OH | 14,602 | 90 | 10.2% |
| Anna, TX | 14,625 | 111 | 11.1% |
| Phillipsburg, NJ | 14,613 | 95 | 4.6% |